5 Winning Rules for Sweepstakes and Contest Success

It’s no secret that I won Weblogbetter’s “Surviving the Blog Contest,” or that I just won the first of the 2012 Guest Blogging Contests from Blog Engage. People have asked me, “What’s your secret?” so I thought – what better entry into the next Blog Engage Guest Blogging Contest than a tell-all post on how to win a blogging contest.

Except for one thing: there is no “secret.” I can share with you what’s worked for me, but I cannot share with you something I haven’t got. It’s like the Holy Grail of MMO – there really is NO good way to earn money effortlessly while you sleep. You’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and work at it. And when it comes to contests, you need to understand this one thing up front: The ROI can be pretty low. You will work your tail off, and there is NO guarantee you’ll win. At least in a minimum-wage job, you know you’re going to get paid the agreed-upon salary.

So here’s Rule #1: If you’re counting on the contest winnings to pay your bills, you’d do better to spend your time hunting for and working at a second or third job.

If the competition and adrenaline rush of contesting is in your blood, and it’s fun for you, here’s Rule #2: Gambling is an addiction. Have you ever heard of dopamine or Internet addiction? Read this, before you read another word: “It’s the Dopamine, You Dope!” over on my personal blog, It’s All a Matter of Perspective. You have to ask yourself if you’re doing it for the fun, or if you’re doing it because you need another hit of dopamine. Sometimes, I’m not sure of the answer to that, myself, when I sign up for a contest. I’m pretty sure dopamine and adrenaline and the enabling support of friends are all that kept me going during the contests I’ve entered online. But I am sure it’s not worth losing your health, your sleep, your job, your family, or your friends over. Before getting into a contest, calculate how much time you can reasonably spend on it before it’s a loss – even if you win the grand prize.

Rule #3: Read “How to Win the Lottery (or at Least Increase Your Odds)“ over at TheNextGoal.com, where I share with you my mom’s “secrets” to winning sweepstakes and contests. Guaranteed? Nope. But among the things my mother won, over the years, always following these simple “rules” of hers, were a 16-foot ski boat; a car (or, rather, a trip to the Daytona 500 and one of four keys to unlock the car – she also got the winning key); a trip for two to Spain; a job as an “extra” on HBO’s popular series, “Dream On” – and about a zillion cases of soft drinks, cash prizes of varying sizes, and other “fun” stuff. My dad also won a car. Then, one year, my dad had to ask her to stop for a bit so the taxes on her winnings wouldn’t take too big a bite out of their bank account. She did not win every time she entered, but would have chalked that up to “it wasn’t meant to be.” And sometimes, things aren’t meant to be – because if they happened, they would foreclose other opportunities that lay ahead.

And so, that leads to Rule #4: Never lose hope; never get discouraged; never indulge in negative self-talk. If you lose, you’re not “a loser.” If you lose, that’s no reason whatsoever to stay out of the next contest. If you lose, it doesn’t mean you’re not just as deserving of a win as anyone else – it just simply means you didn’t win this one, this time. The best cure for disappointment is success, and my best advice is to follow Rule #5: When you lose (and none of us win everything, every time) let it go and move on quickly to the next challenge, whatever that may be. Immersing yourself in something you love is the best way to forget the sting of disappointment, loss, or hardship. Even when you win, you may want to immerse yourself in some other recreational pursuit for a while, just to recharge your batteries and renew your sense of fun.

5 Winning Strategies for Blogging Contest Success

Most blogging contests involve some combination of the following, for points:

Backlinks (guest posting with links back to the contest entry post, comments using hyperlinks or CommentLuv)

Strategy #1: Plan and write your blog post.

Pick a popular or controversial topic. Don’t play it safe by giving readers the same old recycled tips and tricks. This is especially important if comments count for points.

Make a mind map – using pencil and paper, spend ten or twenty minutes scribbling all the ideas you want to bring into your post. How do they relate? What minor points will help to clarify them? What examples can you include to illustrate your points to help cement them in readers’ minds?

Write.

Proofread carefully. If you have Word, use the built-in spelling and grammar checker, but don’t trust it 100%. There is no substitute for reading each sentence carefully. Check for subject-verb agreement; proper use of singular, plural, and possessive nouns and pronouns; and make sure your sentences make sense. If English is not your native language, brush up on common ESL mistakes for your region or country. For example, if you search Google for common mistakes in english by indians, you will find helpful resources to correct mistakes that are common to Indian speakers of English, such as this one: http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jul/18eng.htm (there are many more, and you can substitute other country names in the same search for other regional linguistic “idiosyncracies”).

Strategy #2: Enter early, especially if social promotion is a factor in scoring. In some contests, you’ll have two weeks or so to promote, and your social scores will be locked. In others, you’ll have “first mover advantage” by entering early – which means you’ll have the entire contest period. In some cases, contest organizers will only publish one or two posts per day, to allow each an equivalent time in the spotlight – so even if you enter early, your post may not go live for a week or two. It usually doesn’t pay to wait, unless you want to see what the other entrants have to offer before writing your post – a risky, but possibly effective, strategy in itself. This one works best if all entrants are given exactly the same amount of time to promote their posts.

Strategy #3: Promote others first, then ask for help. It’s never good to owe more favors than you can ever hope to return. Share others posts, then ask them to share yours, too. This goes for your competitors, too – in most cases, the relationships you form as you network with other bloggers, even competitors, will last far longer than the contest and be more valuable to you in the long run. Don’t kill the competition – beat them fair and square if you can, but do it with good sportsmanship and kindness. Share their posts and comment on them. You’ll lose a few points, but gain priceless goodwill.

Strategy #4: Each time you leave a comment, invite others back to your contest entry post. Give them a link to it, if possible. Make it easy – people are busy, busy, busy, but they mean well. Don’t spam them, pester repeatedly, or nag them, but feel free to remind them once or twice. There’s a difference between, “Why haven’t you voted for my post yet?” and “I hope you’ve had a chance to read my post about cooking socks to remove foot odor – I’d really be interested in your thoughts on this, and it’d be great if you’d also share your favorite laundry tip in the comments!” Invite, don’t demand.

Strategy #5: Comments should be conversational. Imagine you’re playing tennis. Your opponent lobs the ball over the net. Do you catch it in your hand and go home, or do you hit it back to his side of the court? Commenting is the same – toss one back: a question, a new point to discuss, a slightly controversial statement. If you just say, “Thank you,” you leave the other guy nothing to work with.

Strategy #6: When leaving backlinks, don’t be a spam beast. Every comment should hand written, unique, and show that you’ve read the post you’re commenting on. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should be the kind of comment you’d want to read from your own readers. The kind that makes you feel, as a writer, that you’ve made a connection. You can add a little copy/paste boilerplate to the end, along with your backlink: “I’ve entered a contest over at [blog name] and I’d really appreciate your support – would you click that link below, read my post, and leave a comment? If you really like it, it’d be great if you’d share!”

Strategy #7: Find the CommentLuv-enabled blogs and use my little trick, “How to Get Two Backlinks for the Price of One with CommentLuv” – one for your contest entry, one for your own blog. Make those backlinks count. Just keep in mind that if you do leave spammy comments, or less than thoughtful comments, this will backfire badly – your comments will never make it out of moderation, and the blog owner is likely to delete any links you leave. So pay attention and pay for those backlinks with good, meaningful comments.

On a good writing day, Holly Jahangiri claims (tongue-in-cheek) to be channeling the spirits of Edgar Allan Poe, Erma Bombeck, and O. Henry. On a bad writing day, she claims to have poured every last ounce of her creative ability and energy into childbirth, and has two wonderful children to prove it. You can find her on Twitter @HollyJahangiri (http://twitter.com/hollyjahangiri), Facebook (http://facebook.com/hollyjahangiri), and It's All a Matter of Perspective (http://jahangiri.us/2013) - to name just a few of the places this social media butterfly flits.

[…] this month, may be self-explanatory – at least, if you’re paying attention. In it – All My Contest-Winning Strategies Revealed – for FREE! (If the link doesn’t work, just give it time – or go pester Brian to make it live.) But […]

OOPS… I’m extremely sorry for “Mr”… LOL!! (Remember: I know the person there knows that I know and she’ll know I didn’t know that I did a mistake but I didn’t know you’ll point it out..LOL!!)

Yes, I remember everything. You know, I’m feeling sad because I didn’t take care of one thing very much which you suggested me. And that was the reason for dropping to the second. Anyways, thank you for everything. And especially for the rule 4…

With you around for competition; it is just like climbing uphill! Too steep! It would be lovely to see you both in this! I am so glad I didn’t enter!Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

Make it 400+, now – hey, there’s a new strategy – let’s all go comment-bomb Abhi’s posts from the LAST contest!! We can keep him so busy commenting over THERE…

LOL – never mind. He’s already fallen into the hole that is called “WordPress.” In the long run, his promotional ability is exponentially increased – but for the moment, there’s just so much to learn and do and install and try!!

Everyone go over to oddblogger.com and oooh and ahhh – it’s finally a “real” WordPress blog! Go congratulate Abhi!! (Good choice on how to invest his winnings, I think!)

You are a modest kid! You still are way ahead in comments for the contest we were in and if it wasn’t the issue of back links it would have been a whole different story! You are really good at spreading the word! Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

How does it allow you to type such small comments? I type comments with over ten words and I still get an error saying the comment is too short…Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

Do I look like the Magic 8 Ball? At this point, I have no idea who’s going to take the top spot – but I intend to TRY, and I intend to give you a hard time getting there. So don’t go easy on me just because I’m an OLD WOMAN with two kids to put through college…

No, seriously, don’t. Please.

Have you studied? Loved the study report – made me proud, yesterday, you did.

Kidding? Really? You may be, but I wasn’t – not about that. You SHOULD be scared! LOL (See, we’re moving into exam season here, too – and the last grading period is almost upon us. So I’m getting LOTS of practice on this side of the ocean, too. I’ll bet I could find an “ethical hacker” to do remotely, to you, what I did to my son. Oh, yes – be afraid. Be very afraid. Granted, it’s a lot easier when you have admin privs on the box, locally. But I have my ways…)

Holly Jahangiri

April 7th, 2012

You’re still ahead of me in this round, Abhi – I think you’ve learned all too well!

I joke about that, of course – it’s a poor teacher who isn’t delighted when her students surpass her own achievements.

Not that I’m not going to make you work for it, kid. Because I know how little satisfaction there’d be in that! Last week, my son beat a classmate in a fencing bout, and the boy later said he wasn’t going to stay for the second class because he’d not been feeling well. Fortunately, my son knew he didn’t MEAN that as an insult, but did remark that it could be seen as the worst kind of insult!Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Death? Naah. Dregs. And a Dearth.

Hmm… BUT, I guess, in this contest, between YOU and ME, there will not be anything like insult or feeling bad. I know, you’ll feel good if I finish with the first and I hope you know, that I’ll be happy if you’ll finish first. Right?abhibalani recently posted..Best WordPress Security Plugin – Better WP Security Plugin

Never any hard feelings between us! I just expect you to give it your best shot – and if you don’t win this round, to come back again and beat me in the $1000 round. Either way, of course, I’ll be happy – and I hope you will be, too!

It’s funny how people are so often eager to let a friend cry on their shoulder; it’s a rare friend who truly celebrates a friend’s success, even when that friend bests the other in a contest.

Sorry, being new to the discussion and stop writing blogs for several weeks due to my work schedule. All I want to know is whether CommentLuv a wordpress plugin. If so, I want to try it when I resume blogging in two weeks.Nicolas Liu recently posted..What’s The Miles Per Hour?

Yes!! Yes it is. It is the one WordPress plug-in I won’t do without. There are others I’m rather fond of and attached to, but CommentLuv is my favorite. If you’re not familiar with it, the Premium version may seem a bit pricey – but in my opinion, it’s very worthwhile. There’s a free version, as well.

You can see the full premium version in action, from a visitor’s standpoint, on my personal blog – it’s really five plug-ins in one. There’s a link in my sidebar to where you can go get it, if you decide you want it.

Grammar? Yuck… proofreading is what people who don’t like adventurous content does…. I like to let ride……

“Comments should be conversational.” my stance on this one has always been the entire post from start to finish including all comments should be conversational. thats how you get more engagement with folks. Often, I will sacrifice some of those silly grammar points, (including dangling out my participles) just to keep it in a more natural tone of voice

I think when it comes to blogging, an academic insistence on grammatical perfection can backfire. People do like to read more conversational pieces that don’t make them feel, well…stupid. Having said that, I’d rather drive someone to the dictionary than “dumb it down,” because just as many readers (including children) will recognize condescension when they see it – and they’ll learn to resent it. It says, “I don’t think my readers are capable of understanding more, and I think they’ve all got the attention of a small insect on the second day of a three day lifecycle.” It may be true, but I’m going to assume my readers are smart and any failings in communication are mine.

I don’t mind a dangling participle, but watch where you dangle it in polite company.

My personal bugaboo is overuse of ellipses and parenthetical phrases – I tend to write exactly the way I think or talk, and throw in all the little mental digressions. The word “actually” is one I’m overly attached to. I’m working on these things!

That is one place I go extremely wrong; I write as I think. And being the “English is a second language” victim; I tend to think in both languages and somehow that becomes a huge issue at times. The sentence is right in my head, but it just isn’t right on paper!Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

Those are some fabulous points on winning a blogging contest and this article has turned out to be a masterpiece once again which you always conjure up, Holly. Love to read your writings.Nimsrules recently posted..How to fight plagiarism

I don’t have much experience with contests (did I see that eyebrow raising?) but yes, something works well and some doesn’t, I think the secret to winning any contest lies in the secrets of what we shared for the WBB contest… oh, the days! It always well if you are in touch with your competitors; not to know their “secrets” that is just plain rude; but just to understand the whole concept and experience healthy competition. Check out each others post, comment on them, share them.

Winning a contest does require hard work; one thing, it isn’t easy money. That is one thing we need to be aware of right from the start. And that work will have to be from day one. But it isn’t your life. Your life goes beyond the contest too. Work on it, but don’t lose your sleep over it. That is one thing I would say.

And for the sake of saving your reputation, never, ever cheat. The internet is the place where everybody knows how to jump over loop holes and try to act like you’ve got it all. Getting a zillion shares and a million tweets by day two makes it obvious that something is wrong! Focus on what you what at the end of the day – a bloggers who won because s/he worked on it or a blogger who thought that a little bit of “just that” would do no wrong and be black listed week one into it!

About conversations; I think Prunebutt would be the perfect example of that! Is he sulking because you decided to do this again?Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

Prunebutt’s only sulking because I’m not out shilling his “Prunebutt for President in 2012″ t-shirts.

Excellent, excellent point – you know, I forgot to even MENTION “don’t cheat” – it should go without saying, but it needs to be said. The fact is, I’m convinced that “cheaters never prosper” and will get their Karmic due one day. No contest (blogging or otherwise) is worth ruining your reputation OR your self respect. I have watched cheating, but RARELY do the cheaters win, anyway. When they do, I just trust that their sleep is disturbed by dreams of being buried alive in a Texas fire ant mound – for a good year or two after the contest closes.

Now. that was one point you forgot to mention about entering these contests and kicking out really great posts.. “Find Your Muse”….Prunebutt might get offended that you left him sitting out in the cold….

Out in the cold, James? NO way. Prunebutt’s curled up next to Trockle, snoring (loudly, I might add) in a warm, smelly gym sock under the bed. I just don’t have the heart to wake Trockle OR the stomach to wake Prunebutt.

But really, it surprises me to see what they are trying to achieve through cheating. Isn’t it already obvious that they will get black listed. Ax your foot situation?Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

Hajra, some folks can’t see the long-term, big picture. They don’t care for their reputation – only money. Did you see the interview with the owner of Gawker Media? He doesn’t care – anything for sensationalism, traffic, and money.

Some of us know we’d never hear the end of it from Prunebutt, and have decided it’s not worth losing sleep over.

And they fail to realize that just contest money is not going to pay your bills for a lifetime; your reputation will be much more helpful in guaranteeing that you get to enter other competitions too! But isn’t sensationalism the core factor with every blog post? Isn’t that we all are yearning for somewhere; contest or no contest?Hajra recently posted..26 years… 26 lessons.

My Author made me say that, although we’ve all known a character or two in a novel somewhere that proves that old adage woefully wrong. It should probably be revised: “Cheaters never prosper, unless they’re devilishly handsome, wear tailor-made suits, drive really hot expensive cars, and have at least three women on speed dial.” With the caveat, of course, that if it’s the Lifetime Channel, they’ll prosper only until the woefully aggrieved woman figures out their wily ways and kills them. Or has them killed.

Hajra, my dear, have you ever noticed how, on CSI, even the corpses look like they’ve just stepped out of the stylist’s chair?

Oh, right – because they HAVE!! (How do they just lay there without breathing?)

That is one reason I “hate” murder mysteries on television. The corpses look fresher than I would ever do; even if I had a session at the parlor! And how do they manage to get dark circles that look all fancy? That is the bigger mystery…Hajra recently posted..Old enough for the online world?

Prunebutt

April 7th, 2012

It’s called “moulage.” Great fun – you should try it, sometime. Gain a few sympathy points. Oh, wait – does that count in a blogging contest? I know my Author is trying to milk her cold for all it’s worth. Claimed “subvocalizing” her comments made her throat hurt and wore her out – that’s why she didn’t really get around to typing them and clicking the Enter key.

Lame. Really lame.

Speaking of head colds, now – do you have any idea what it’s like down here with the dust bunnies, bed mites, and mold spores? I think I really need a trip up to see Karen and collect on that hot toddy. Oh, Kaaaarrren!Prunebutt recently posted..Death? Naah. Dregs. And a Dearth.

Yes, yes, and yes. You nailed it, especially the “ROI is very low” part. That sound be highlighted, bold and in its own paragraph. Beware of your worth in time when you enter contests. If you win $50, how much work elsewhere does it take for you to earn $50?

Although, I can say the relationships forged and exposure you get can have lasting ROI. So in the long run, maybe contests are worth it. They show readers and peers that you have what it takes to make it happen and work hard for what you want.

Now that’s an excellent point, Allie. My dad used to say that it’s less about the actual degree you earn in college, but the fact that you made a four year commitment to something everyone agrees is challenging, and saw it through – you met or exceeded the requirements and earned the degree. That’s what employers value – most of the real and valuable skills of the workplace are learned through experience, anyway. Contesting is similar. I actually prefer contests, even though sweepstakes and lotteries bring higher POTENTIAL rewards, because I like to hone and test my own skills, rather than to rely solely on luck. There’s always a bit of luck involved, but in sweepstakes the only part that isn’t luck is in filling out the form correctly. Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Don’t Manage Stress, Beat it!

I am with you, I rarely enter any sweepstakes or lotteries. I prefer to control my destiny as much as I can.

Your father is a smart man. It is the journey that matters not the outcome, many times. I think many people reverse that and end up searching all their lives for meaning. Uh Oh! I’m getting off subject, no psychology lol.

Allie, I disagree. Psychology is very relevant to any post on winning contests – a huge part of it involves optimism and attitude and mindset. How many times have you seen people give up before they start? “Oh, I never win anything. But good luck to you.” Um… okay, and you wonder why you never win anything? Or, “Sounds exciting. I will have to enter this,” but they never show up again? Well, gee. #1 – get in the game. If you’re sure you’re going to lose, then what MORE could you lose by trying? Duh.

But then the one that’s really hard for most people is the idea that you do your best and let go – you simply trust that you’ve won. Of course you have to do what it takes – put forth at least the effort of buying a ticket, writing a post, sharing it – whatever. But worrying never helps. Fear never helps. Looking back over your shoulder to see if the competition is hot on your heels only helps if you can do a course correction. When it’s the 11th hour, forget it. Just do what you can with the time you have left, and let the competition do their thing. Don’t worry.

Never ask your opponent about his/her recent activity or current (unpublished) score. It’s like asking about a coworker’s salary. You don’t need to know.

Let’s get real – if you’re a smart strategist, you’re not volunteering that info mid-contest. In fact, you’re probably holding a little something back. If you ASK, you’re basically asking for an unfair advantage – OR, you’re putting the other person on the spot and backing them into a corner where it’s human nature to lie. Then, even if they tell the truth, outside factors can change things – scores can be accepted or rejected or lost and found, or panicked competitors can step up activity and not volunteer it – making everyone look sneaky or dishonest. So don’t do it. If you can figure out what cards they’re holding in their hand, just by counting cards, do it. Otherwise – just focus on doing your own personal best and don’t worry what the other guy’s got. It’s all subjective, in the end, anyway.Holly Jahangiri recently posted..All My Contest-Winning Strategies Revealed – for FREE!

There is just so, so many things going on in a contest that if you just sit down to think about what your competitors are doing, then you might just as well go crazy… yes psychology!

Like Holly says “the winner who slows down to turn back and see who is catching up”. Just work on your post and work on it really well; yes, someone might be working on theirs much more, but the key point is that are you working well enough?

Oh, it makes a lot of sense, Hajra. You know, the more you worry about what everyone around you is doing, the less room there is in your brain for creative thinking. The more stress hormones you put out. The faster your body burns itself up. So I have a little sign near my monitor that says, “Breathe.” (Kind of like the advice the nurse gave during childbirth when she said, “I didn’t say anything about ‘breathing exercises,’ I said ‘BREATHE!'”)

I just read a really great book by Mark Cuban. Although I really can’t stand the guy personally, he has a really great grasp on business. He has one quote in the book that really fits in here. he says, “The only thing you can control in your business is how much effort you put into it” The same is true with your contest entries.

At the end of the day, you can’t control whether people tweet it, share it, like it, or even choose to read it. However, you can control how much effort you put into researching, writing, and promoting it.James Pruitt recently posted..The Worst Blog to Read When You Have Things To Do

That’s exactly right, James. But a lot of people, knowing that, will ruin their health and personal relationships in single-minded pursuit of a goal. It’s not worth that, nine times out of ten. Unless you can honestly say that fleeting success – in a contest, or in business – is really worth more to you than your health, your family, or your friendships. I mean, really, if you win but you’re miserable and lonely, what WERE you doing it for? Money’s cold comfort when you’ve no one left to share it with and have to spend it all on doctor’s bills.Holly Jahangiri recently posted..All My Contest-Winning Strategies Revealed – for FREE!

I agree, it all has to be ballanced with the rest of your life. the last contest, i didn’t do so well mainly because I had other commitments already that took me away for several days right after I made my post. I didn’t put as much effort as I normally would into promoting the post and it didn’t do so well.James Pruitt recently posted..Make Your Guest Posts Stand OUT

That is so true! You just cannot sit and imagine what the other people are doing with their posts? That will just drive you crazy, yes it will and you still won’t have an answer. Focus on what you are doing for yourself. That will be what really matters at the end of it all!Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

I live in Dallas and Mark Cuban is a very big deal in the Big D. He is also a judge/mentor on TV’s Shark Tank. I’m sure if he met you, he would want to make you a star. He is a self-made billionaire who used to be a bartender before he was famous.

Afterall, he is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and he could use a fabulous spokes-dustball like you.

I suppose it would help if I watched TV. Is this “Shark Tank” a reality show? Is it something like “How many seconds can you last in a shark-infested tank {naked|wearing yellow|festooned in diamonds|coated in chum}” sort of things, that grows progressively more gruesome week by week? If so, I’m in!

The prize money does become a little initiator to it all. Especially for the kind of effort you want to put in or are ready to put in. But if you put in like a lot of effort and you still see yourself winning a small amount of money or maybe not even be close to winning – do you feel the need to give up? Or you just keep trying?Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

I’d like to say “I just cut my losses and run,” but that’s too much like “I just pick up my marbles and go home.” I guess it brings out my “weirdly competitive streak” and makes me more likely to try harder.

Oh, blech. Do we ever listen to ourselves to realize how much harder we make our own lives than they actually have to be, some days?

Was that a convoluted way of saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? I think a LOT of us have a perfectionistic streak a mile long. Doesn’t mean we’re perfect or ever likely to be – but it sure does give us fits TRYING to be!

So, what about the alignment of planets? I’m disappointed that more attention is not given over to the astrological conjunctions.

Seriously, though. Holly, you have an amazing mindset for challenges – from balut to blogs. Your tenacity alone will propel your further through any contest upon which you set your sights (you’re going to need it, for Mr. Hugo!)

I am! And April’s a-comin’ – but I actually do, FINALLY, have an amazing Hugo-worthy story going, now, I think. I just need to let these things percolate while limbering up my fingers (sharpening my claws?) other other things for a bit. Oh, I’m liking the characters that have come to play.

That is one race that gives me the chills just talking about it! And yes, the stories are a gem to read! When is the next update? Will you reveal the winning secrets after that is accomplished? (Fingers crossed!!)Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

Mitchell’s writing the serial novel(la) over there. I’m going to spring my story on you when it’s darned good and ready! Hmm. I need to check on the ISSN, though – you know, I applied for one through the Library of Congress, so soon it should be a real, honest to goodness periodical. Talk about getting chills – writer geek heaven: exchanging emails with someone at the Library of Congress while they process your application for an ISSN. (Okay, so I’m easily amused and pleased.)

Excellent point. Right now Mercury is Retrograde until the first week of April which means that going back to something again and redoing it could mean even more success. I am happy to speak about the planets and their movements all day long.

The first paid writing job I had at 18 was writing an astrology column. If you prefer, we could talk Flying Star Feng Shui as well. Afterall, we’re in a Metal Dragon Year (6). Or I could pull out my Tarot cards if astrology and FS don’t meet with approval. LOL.

Of course I live in The South where I may be tarred and feathered for even mentioning these beliefs. Of course we want to keep the tar and feathers away from Prunebutt.

Flying Star Feng Shui? That’s when you get some flying stars, a blindfold, and play fling-the-martial-arts-hardware-at-the-donkey to determine where best to stick a potted plant? I’m in. Sounds as entertaining as that “Shark Tank” show.

My Author’s daughter is a dragon. I thought we were in a Black Water Dragon Year?

We should meet some time and talk about astrology. It has always fascinated me… I feel I ain’t a “believer” but I am intrigued by it.

Also coming from a country that is highly superstitious it makes a lot of sense to be be understanding of what the whole thing really is about… some day!Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

Hajra, you disappoint me. With your training and cultural background, you have what it takes to invent your own organized religion, rife with symbolism, metaphor, archetypal influences, and a mystical complex of ritualistic superstition, the likes of which the world has never known before.

Just think – you could retire young. Worked for L Ron Hubbard, didn’t it?

That is an amazing post on how to win contests with lot of great tips, this could be the next wining post. I really wish you Holly all the luck with this contest.icciev recently posted..5 Reasons why my blog contest is going to fail

Thank you. I left a couple of comments over on your blog. And I’m sorry – I kind of feel like I let you down, but one thing to take away from that is that people ARE pulled in myriad directions each day. Got an action item for me? Ask directly (nicely, so my knee-jerk “Who are you and what do YOU want now?” reaction doesn’t kick in and backfire on you). Some days, really, the squeaky gate DOES get the grease.

First of all, Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on my blog, second thing you didn’t let me down at all your comments are always welcomed and was really an added value, third thing I do really apologize if my comment seemed spam or that I wanted you to do something for my blog, I just thought of selecting this post because it relates to the topic. Thanks again for the visit.icciev recently posted..JustRetweet Versus EasyRetweet

Icciev, your comments have never been spam to me! And you know – when I’m in a contest, I’m sure some of my requests for people to read, share, and comment border on “spammy” to some! (I try not to abuse my friends’ tolerance, but you know… it’s hard not to, some days.) What I meant, was, it was your comments and presence here that attracted me to your blog – I noticed YOU, not necessarily the CommentLuv links. But yes, that one caught my eye because it was especially relevant. I felt a little bad, because I haven’t always followed every comment link back to the source. No one does – or can. I get that, and while we all wish everyone would, we know it’s not going to happen. That’s why I try to leave more of an “engraved invitation” if I really need some help or action or think a link might especially interest a particular person I’m replying to. But I think we all get tunnel vision, sometimes – and I just felt, well, I’ve seen your comments now, helping me through several contests, and I didn’t want you to think YOU had failed. (Would it help to know that I got four entries into the last one I ran? They were FANTASTIC entries, though. )

I do apologize for the late reply, I have totally understand your points and agree with it, I know it’s not possible to follow all the links because bloggers normally have limited time allocated to replying to comments and they prefer to follow links to people they know when they have time, this is why you said that you need to ask them nicely in the comment if you want any action from them, I really appreciated your time replying to my comments and for your help.icciev recently posted..Top 10 StumbleUpon alike Social Bookmarking websites

It’s true, but in my case it’s not because I don’t want to discover bloggers I DON’T already know. Ask any of my blogger friends – about the time we get to be real friends, I stop visiting their blogs. (I don’t mean to, it just seems like, sometimes, we’ve already said it all in IMs and emails or Facebook statuses or something.) What happens to me, more often, is that I’ll follow links and end up on a splog. I don’t feel as if the blogger actually CARED whether I visited or not, you know? It’s all just for the backlinks and the ratings. Fine, dandy, but it’s the same kind of thing that’s happened to hypertext on the web – pretty soon, that’s going to be completely irrelevant because everyone’s grown so wary of clicking on links – ANY links.

Glad to see I haven’t really scared you off, Jeevan! That’s right – “don’t care, but do care” – that’s a tough one to get across, but I think you’ve got it. Every day, you have to ask yourself, “Is it still fun? If I lost, would I be depressed or angry or feel worthless?” If a loss would do anything but increase your determination to win the next time – honestly and with a sense of fun – don’t do the contest thing.

C’mon, now, and get yourself in the game!

P.S. If you want a clue as to my “ulterior motives,” read the post linked in CommentLuv, below.

I am still thinking about what I should write about it – Ideas will come and go – I hope I do get a good idea with this contest I do need a really good one to compete to you and others – including Abhi in this contest A contest will only get exciting we if we have some good competition.

Oh you shouldn’t be intimidated by Holly; she is like the best person to have by your side when you are in a competition! Not only does she come across and comment and have a great conversation on the other posts in the competition; she tells others to do the same! Maybe that is like the best thing to learn from during contests; be cordial, have a conversation and don’t “fight” over it.

I would love to see you in the competition again! Do keep us informed!Hajra recently posted..Write the Stress Away

Wow… awesome post, Holly. Very clear and full of great info on what to do and of course what not to do. I particularly enjoyed your points on grammar and spelling (I recently wrote my own post on Grammar and Spelling as it relates to Blogging Pitfalls to Avoid). I know I spent a lot of time on BE today and had to step away for a bit to clear my head. It is indeed addictive and can be at the expense of other things that need to get done – like the dreaded dishes and laundry. Did someone say there’s no rest for the wicked?

I love your writing style and I’d bet a Fig Newton and and Double Stuff Oreo that your writing talents will take you far in life! And I agree with Mitchell Allen, why not deal with planetary alignment as well? lol

Well, thank you, Jane! (Uh oh, you’re starting to typo your own NAME, Jane – time to take a break from the PC?) Given the four later dark chocolate birthday cake we’ve been nibbling all weekend, I may have to take a raincheck on the cookies -but hold them in reserve for an emergency!

I’m off to read your grammar post – goodness, how is it that you and I have never chatted before? Be sure to check out the link at the bottom of this comment. It was kind of inspired by you.

Oh, I know I made the booboo. I was typing away and was done and then decided to add something and as I was scrolling up to make the changes I noticed the typo and said, “Oh, I’ll fix that when I’m done with this.” Guess what? I forgot, noticed it again just as I was hitting submit and then chuckled to myself, wondering if you’d notice…

And oh… four ‘later’ dark chocolate cake? lol Is that a typo or a subliminal suggestion?

Yes, I’ve opened the post to read it as it sounded quite familiar… lol

Oh, that’s too funny. Um… maybe I was just trying to put YOU at ease about your typo?

Seriously, this is a perfect illustration of what I’ve come to think of as online grammar-Nazi karma: Any time you criticize or mock or even just point out someone’s grammar slip is showing, the odds of YOU making one in the SAME post go up exponentially. And the more arrogant you are about it, the more errors your own post will contain.

I’ll take one on on the chin, here, and claim I did it on purpose, in collusion with you, to create a “teachable moment” and promote your CommentLuv link.

LMAO!! When you first asked that, I thought you meant the morning Abhi told me he knew I was tired, because I’d stopped bothering to capitalize my i’s! I know what you mean, and I’m not entirely sure we solved it – maybe just stopped it in its tracks. It went on to easier pickin’s.

You know, some days, the fun just takes a mean turn and you have to ask yourself if it’s now beneath your dignity. Jane (JanE?) pointed out to me that she’d accidentally capitalized her E in that last one. I then pointed out her misspelling of “harken” on her own blog (which turned out not to be her misspelling at all, but she’d embedded a linked excerpt with a misspelling on a post that was all about how critical perfect grammar and spelling were, and she’s the captain of that ship!) – but we got silly about it and had fun. That other case? That wasn’t FUN anymore. And there was just no respectable challenge to it, now, was there?

Better you and Jane and I should see how much we can pick on each OTHER’s spelling and grammar before our own goes to hell in a handbasket! Much more entertaining.

I ain’t picking on grammar anytime soon…I am too bad with it in the first place! But yes, I like it when others tell me where I am going wrong.Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

Holly Jahangiri

March 20th, 2012

I just have to tell you, Jane, that “four layer, for later” chocolate cake has lived up to its name. See http://www.ilovecostco.com/node/520 – yeah. We’ve still got about a third of that left!

I really enjoyed this post as I find it very useful. Getting guest posts for contests submitted early is a big one for me because I submitted my last guest post for the competition extremely late. Also, I’d recommend submitting your contest posts to social bookmarking sites like reddit and Digg for more exposure.

Have you had good luck with Reddit and Digg? I don’t, really – most likely because I’ve never used them regularly. I haven’t found them to be all that engaging, and you know me – I like the SOCIAL aspects of social media. I guess I ought to give it another try, eh?

Yes, you should definitely give reddit a try. Almost all of my traffic comes from reddit by the thousands. There’s not a day where I’m not using reddit. I’d stay away from Digg because the users there aren’t as social and engaging as the users on reddit. Reddit is golden!

I’ll do that, Kevin – and on your recommendation. You know, now that I think about it, I’m not sure I ever have given reddit a try at all. I’m on Digg, so often I never remember my username. But I’m not sure I ever did sign up on reddit.

When Hajra told me both of you won this month; I was the first one to breathe a sign of relief; believe me, this button dance and reading and sharing really tires me out. It is like an hour on the treadmill at times. But yes, the things you have to do for your sister. Maybe, one day I should get the avatar before people kick me out for spam – yes, my sister is keeping me updated!

And when she told me that you wrote a post about this, I had to come by! You are letting out your secrets; oh, for the love of it all, don’t!

But yes, did you forget to mention how one should drag their family into this and leave them little post its (with the links) when they come visiting along. Hajra actually put a post it on my laptop! And in weird colors too. And a little one below the actual post it that said “Don’t crumble and throw me away, I will be back”.

That is her secret maybe! Do you “pester” your family just as much? Is it a blogger thing? Or is it just a Hajra thing?

Bushra! I could not forget the dear sister of my “frienemy” Hajra! You are such a good sister, learning the button dance to support us in our silly contesting efforts. And look where it landed us – you dance well. Today, Blog Engage – tomorrow, Dancing with the Stars! You should get an avatar – that little silhouette of a Chess pawn doesn’t do you justice. Just upload a picture to Gravatar.com.

I think you’re right about Hajra’s secret, because no – I don’t pester my family (much) at all. They’re really not social media addicts, and that works pretty well for us all. At least I know they’ll be there to laugh and wipe away my tears if I lose – and will love me just the same.

I see how she’s teaching you – next thing you know, she’ll have you blogging. Watch out, or you two will end up competing!

Thanks – for everything. For supporting Hajra, for reading what I write and commenting, for being a new friend.

Oh blogging is something I wouldn’t do ever. I have seen what it has done to that lil sister of mine; too much a price to pay!

I am surprised now, none of us are social media addicts; she actually drove us into this craze. Maybe the leadership trait of the Libran does shine over all of us! I have to know more about your zodiac!

Oh look who got here! My sister! I would definitely put pulling family into this if I ever wrote a post on spilling the beans; Just the other day my brother mentioned how he deserves all the contest money because he shared it frequently and asked his friends to do the same! I got similar calls from many of my cousins too! So you can imagine how I am using the family for this; I hope I am invited to the next together!Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

LOL – you know, if we could share with everyone who helps us along the way, we’d be happier but deeper in debt. Did I mention “don’t keep score” up there in the post? Tell them to enter a blogging contest and you’ll promote them as passionately as they promoted you! I’ll help, even.Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Let’s Make a Deal! Limited Time Offer!

I would agree with the debt part; I think I need to win another ten blogging contest (without family help if that is possible) to pay off what I keep “promising” them…Hajra recently posted..Ten years and I still hold on to the Grudge

LOL! Of course I did; but I meant to ask Kris whether he has a “plan” per se after the post is published. Like Hajra says guest posting works for her (besides of course family!). Any publicity that works more than the others; or is it just a combination of it all.Bushra recently posted..Ten years and I still hold on to the Grudge

Thanks for sharing these great tips! I’ve been in a few contests myself and the first two I didn’t know anything about the backlinks or sponsor posts. But I still managed to place in the first one even with a late entry.

I am going to check out your post about how the commentluv trick. I think it may be what I figured out after I stopped promoting my last contest post with backlinks. Live and learn, right?

Well, better late than never, right? I hope you find some helpful tips on my blog – I try. I know some of my favorite readers groan and roll their eyes when I start metablogging, but now and then they even find it useful.

Yes, we all want to be Paris or Perez. Of course. Because it’s all about ATTENTION, isn’t it? ::yawn:: I’d like to see more focus on good products, good people, and good behavior – am I seriously in the minority about that?

With you around for competition; it is just like climbing uphill! Too steep! It would be lovely to see you both in this! I am so glad I didn’t enter! Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

But it’s more fun when you’re in it, too! (Yes, even if I lose. Although – as long as you’re HELPING and commenting, it’s still fun, and I actually stand a chance. So yeah, I think I’m glad you didn’t enter, too, now that I think it through!)

LOL! You guys are wonderful to be in a competition with. But yes, I am tired of standing up against you both! You keep me working on it every minute!Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!

It is really refreshing to see others sharing their experiences and expertise , for free, that is wonderful. I like you tips on blogging contest as i have yet to start but when i do i would have compiled a lot of advise and examples. oh My ticker is TAG64 on Empire Avenue , thank you very much once again for sharing , Have a wonderful Weekend

[…] But guess what, now we are competitors. Yeah, we both have participated in Blog Engage’s Guest Blogging Contest 2. (Holly won the first one) Now she is giving me a tough competition by her post in which she revealed all her strategies to WIN. […]

Hello Holly,
Thank you for your advice , I read it through and like all your suggestions , they are very important especially for someone like me who have never blogged before but think about starting one .

Kussko, I’m especially honored that you have commented on my blog – but have never blogged before. I find it difficult, sometimes, to get non-blogging readers to join in the conversation, and they are always – ALWAYS – welcome to do so on my posts. If I can help you to get started (or if I have, in anything I’ve written), I’m glad – please let me know where to find your blog when you start it.

For once, I have to agree with my “Muse” the fuzzball up there, Kussko. Just don’t take Prunebutt up on offers to help you blog – unless you want to end up blogging fiction and poetry. (It’s the only way I can get him to stop pestering ME, anyway.) And don’t let Prunebutt fool you – he doesn’t have a blog. He’s got his own Twitter account and Facebook page, but so far, he hasn’t figured out how to get hosting. Please don’t clue him in – he’s insufferable already.

Hi Holly,
First let me apologize for disturbing your work by randomly popping in to your phone. Secondly I am literally typing this while laying on an acupunture table.
The needles are making it hard to type so I will be back later to comment in detail.

Yes…the needles were hurting like h*** while I was trying to type. Plus my cute little Chinese doctor – Dr. Bai scolded me about stepping away from my iPad before he left the room and turned off the lights.

After he left I was able to wiggle to get to the iPad. There I was craning my neck while hunt and pecking on my iPad. The doc came in (he must have heard me typing) and gave me the evil eye. He took it away from me and put it out of my reach. Damn. It was a little like when I got caught reading a book with a flashlight under the covers as a child.

Yes, I was supposed to be relaxing.

But I didn’t want to let Holly down. Afterall, she gave birth to PruneButt and I just adore that curmudgeon of dust. I love that PB snores So appropriate. I am def an adoring fan of PB, as Holly noted above.

I am not sure where you live Hajra, but if we live anywhere close we should throw a big party to honor the fabulous PruneButt.

What do you think? Will Holly spring for a plane ticket to ship PB to one of us to honor for a great party? Do you think he’s old enough to drink? I guess he will demand a First Class Ticket no less. LOL.

More later. So nice to type without needles in my hands and arms. Ahhhhhh

I live in the Middle East but that never stopped people from throwing a virtual party! I am in love with him too and I hear he is standing for President this year! And Holly says he is giving out memorabilia…

Karen, I didn’t MIND – just wondered why and thought it easier to ask you than to ask the lads. I think I’ve rectified the problem, though you’re welcome to text me any time!

I’ll ship PB to you in an old Pet Rock crate, book rate, and you can bathe him in a hot toddy (tell him it’s a hot tub and stick some fuzz on a Barbie Doll – he’ll never know the difference).

He says he’ll come if you make sure Mark Cuban and Tina Turner will BOTH be there. He’ll even bring three free “Prunebutt for President in 2012″ t-shirts if you send him their sizes and yours before the big event.

Be still my heart….Prunebutt for a visit. That would be incredibly awesome. I love the hot toddy hot tub idea. I was thinking I would surprise him with a Japanese masseuse who would walk on his back and a groomer to trim him up a bit. Then dinner with Mark and Tina.

Maybe I’d arrange for an autograph signing party. He could sign the Prunebutt for President in 2012. Yes, we’d have a grand old time. I’d even drive him through my favorite Starbucks everyday.

Caspian Sea Caviar would be LOVELY, Karen – if you could procure a tin, alone with a nice bottle of Mumm’s Cordon Rouge (about the only two things my Author and I agree upon, most days), I would happily curl up in your maribou slippers.

Dustbin? I appreciate the offer, but I get enough old Choco-Taco wrappers and mouldy broccoli down here from Trockle. Thanks.

I really like the short, to the point and well thought out advice. I’m someone who would like to start recording my thoughts down in a blog perhaps. I really love your advice to not play it safe….make it controversial! Right on!

Hi, Todd! Wait till we get closer to November – I try to tread lightly on the controversial (or find the kind of controversial that doesn’t lead to personal attacks and Molotov cocktails being slung in my general direction), but eventually my low tolerance for blatant stupidity will kick in, the metal shutters will have to be screwed the windows, and the Red Pen will come out…